NATO's £4.5 billion missile deal aims to bolster European defence
As highlighted by RID, the NSPA has committed to purchasing up to 1,000 PAC-2 GEM-T missiles, fully exercising available options. This responsibility has been entrusted to the COMLOG consortium, a collaborative venture established by RTX (Raytheon) and MBDA.
This marks the inaugural collective acquisition of air defence system missiles under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), set in motion by Germany, according to journalist Łukasz Michalik from Virtual Poland. This deal not only aims to arm the militaries of Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain with these missiles but also contemplates the potential of manufacturing PAC-2 GEM-T missiles within Europe in the future. Despite Poland's current non-participation, the tide may turn should there be orders for PAC-3 MSE missiles down the line.
PAC-2 GEM-T - ancient missiles, revitalised effectively
Introduced in the 1990s, the PAC-2 GEM-T missiles have undergone significant upgrades from their predecessors, notably boosting their capability against ballistic missiles while maintaining the conventional fragmentation warhead.
Upgrades feature a new rocket engine and an enhanced radar head adept at engaging targets with reduced radar visibility. Nevertheless, the guidance technique remains semi-active, a step down compared to the fully active radar head in PAC-3 MSE/CRI missiles.
With the semi-active guidance system, the Patriot system's radar must consistently track the target until the moment of impact, rendering it vulnerable to counter-strikes by anti-radiation missiles. However, this system comes at a considerably lower price point, positioning PAC-2 GEM-T missiles as a cost-effective alternative to the pricier PAC-3 MSE or even its budget-friendly version, CRI. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine demonstrates that, despite their age, PAC-2 GEM-T missiles, with a reach of up to approximately 160 kilometres, remain effective against both aircraft and ballistic missiles.
